Statistical Modeling of Crime Severity in Sidama Zone and Its Neighbors, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The study of crime and its determinants is closely related to factors that influence the mind and behavior of the individual in being participated in criminal activities. Objective: The study has been undertaken with the aim to identify and analyze the factors that influence individuals in criminal activities Sidama Zone and its neighbors. Methods: Multi stage Stratified random sampling with stratification formed by crime level was applied to this study. Proportional Odds Model has been employed to predict the Probability of dependent variable on the basis of independent variables and to model the effects of the covariates included in the study on crime severity of individuals. Results: Age, sex, educational background, marital status, residence, employment status, partners education, attitude towards revenge, wealth status, awareness of criminal law, previous crime history and number of dependent families were found to be statistically significant risk factors. Conclusions: It is recommended that concerned government bodies should have proper reporting system of crime. There should be better supply of education facilities to everyone to beware that crime is wrong practice. Government should provide employment opportunities; provide basic information regarding criminal law to every citizen so that crime will be under control.